Arthritis Pain Reliever
Therapies Rheumatoid Arthritis
Arthritis Pain Relief Medicine
Benefits of MSM
Bextra Side Effects
Celebrex Side Effects
Ceoxx Heart Attack
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Common RA Symptoms
Glucosamine Benefits
Joint Pain Medication
Natural Arthritis Treatments
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Vioxx Heart Attack
Vioxx Side Effects

Vioxx Side Effects Too Serious To Ignore

Due to the serious potential Vioxx side effects, the manufacturer was urged to pull the popular anti-inflammatory drug from the market in 2004. Vioxx was used to relieve symptoms of arthritis, acute pain in adults, and painful menstrual cycles, before studies revealed possible harmful adverse reactions the drug could bring about, such as an increased risk of heart attack and stroke, among others. The incidences of these effects have impacted how the government, doctors and patients view this new class of selective NSAIDs called COX-2 inhibitors.

After the FDA approved Vioxx in 1999, Merck continued to perform clinical trials on the drug and possible problems. Merck's own studies would eventually spell out the demise of the popular medicine due to the potential side effects of Vioxx the study revealed. After analyzing the data, the FDA and its team of health experts had little choice but to issue a warning about problems the drug caused in patients who used it for eighteen months or longer. As a result, Merck voluntarily removed the drug from the market.

But patients who experienced relief while on the drug were left wondering, "Does Vioxx have side effects that really outweigh the benefit I'm receiving?" The safest answer is yes. Although it can ease pain by blocking prostaglandins, hormone-like substances that act as chemical messengers communicating pain and inflammation throughout the body, adverse reactions can occur in some patients. Studies showed that with drugs like Vioxx complications such as increased risk of heart attack, stroke and gastrointestinal bleeding in the form of stomach ulcers existed. These problems brought to light an issue that not only affected Vioxx, but impacted similar drugs, as well.

This is because Vioxx is also closely related to the nonselective NSAIDs, such as Ibuprofen, known also by the brand names of Motrin and Advil, to name a few. In fact, the FDA recently advised manufacturers to revise their labeling and provide more specific information about the potential heart attack and gastrointestinal risks of their individual products. Vioxx problems brought to light similar dangers in the over-the-counter nonselective NSAIDs, which until recently, most people viewed as benign.

In other words, the Vioxx side effects were not just limited to Vioxx, but to other NSAIDs, as well. In addition to the non-prescription NSAID warning, the FDA recently issued a warning regarding Celebrex, a close relative, citing the same potential problems. Pfizer also removed another of its arthritis medicines Bextra from shelves. So, do NSAIDs like Vioxx have side effects? The answer is a resounding yes.

Do Vioxx users have other options to help ease their pain and inflammation? Yes, other options do exist. Fortunately, reputable vitamin and supplement manufacturers offer a host of natural anti-inflammatory drugs such as glucosamine, chondroitin, and an organic sulfur compound called MSM.

Pain sufferers can avoid any potential problems caused by prescription anti-inflammatories by taking natural supplements. Instead of tricking the body into not receiving pain signals, these supplements go straight to the cause of the disease by strengthening and rebuilding connective tissue.

Do they work for everyone? It really depends on a variety of factors including the severity and nature of your pain, how early you start taking them and for how long you stick to a regimen. Natural alternatives don't always work, but they are certainly worth a try if only to avoid experiencing painful side effects that many anti-inflammatory medications can cause.

Featured Vioxx Alternative

After extensively researching treatment options for osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and related conditions, we discovered a breakthrough natural treatment that we have had tremendous success with.

This special Vioxx alternative is called Not Just Joints and it contains all of the natural osteoarthritis relieving nutrients, including glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM and other special ingredients to help reduce inflammation, swelling and stiffness as well as protect the joints and provide long lasting pain relief.

Try Not Just Joints today and see if this natural, effective alternative to arthritis drugs works for you.

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